“I have growing confidence in their ability to achieve success in their mission — to ensure that Afghanistan can never be used as a launch pad for international terrorism again.”

Earning the nickname ‘Bosnia Bob’ after the Balkan conflict, Mr Stewart met senior Afghan politicians and civilians during his tour this month and discussed support for the UK’s continuing commitment to Afghanistan.

He also met Brigadier James Chiswell, Commander of task force Helmand who served under him when Mr Stewart was commander in Bosnia and Deputy Commander Colonel Andrew Jackson of the Royal Irish Regiment.

After explaining changes to the structure and provision of gear to the forces in the area, the officers convinced the MP that their troops were as safe as they could be in the war torn country.

Mr Stewart added: “I am satisfied that our soldiers, operating under great danger in Helmand, now have the best possible equipment to protect them in their missions.”

Mr Stewart has previously stressed the importance of a structured exit strategy from the Afghanistan conflict. In November he blasted the Mayor fo London Boris Johnson for comparing cuts in housing benefits in the capital to the social cleansing that happened in Kosovo.